Venture Funding Basics (Part 2)

Learn how and when to apply for Tulane Ventures funding and access SSBCI resources, with practical tips from industry experts. Marco Melero is a Venture Capital Analyst at the Tulane University Innovation Institute, where he supports Tulane Ventures—a $10M seed fund investing in tech-enabled startups across health, energy, and AI/data sectors in New Orleans. In this role, he helps manage deal flow, due diligence, and portfolio support for early-stage companies. Marco also plays a key role in venture programming at the university business school. Prior to joining Tulane, Marco worked in economic development at the New Orleans Business Alliance. He led research and business development initiatives across sectors including biosciences, retail, and small business growth. His work ranged from managing a $70M tax increment financing district to supporting a $1.4M federal grant for bioscience infrastructure. Marco is a graduate of Tulane University with a degree in economics and is committed to advancing economic development in New Orleans.